Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s National Guard Deployment in Portland

In a stunning rebuke to President Donald Trump’s aggressive push to militarize Democratic strongholds, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut issued a second emergency ruling late Sunday night, blocking any National Guard deployment to Portland, Oregon.

The Trump appointee’s decision expanded a temporary restraining order (TRO) originally granted Saturday, slamming the administration’s attempt to reroute 300 California National Guard troops as a “direct contravention” of her court order and a violation of state sovereignty. This comes as tensions boil over in Chicago, where Trump has authorized up to 400 Texas National Guard troops to bolster federal immigration enforcement, defying Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s fierce opposition.

The Portland saga unfolded rapidly over the weekend. On September 28, Trump announced plans to federalize 200 Oregon National Guard members to “protect federal assets” from what he called “violent riots” and “domestic terrorists” targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. Citing small, mostly peaceful protests outside a downtown ICE building—described by Portland Police as “low-energy” with minimal arrests—Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and the city sued, arguing the move violated the 10th Amendment and the Insurrection Act, which requires evidence of a “rebellion” before federalizing state forces.

Immergut, confirmed by Trump in 2019, agreed. In her initial 14-day TRO, she wrote that Trump’s claims were “untethered to facts,” noting Portland’s 812 trained officers could handle any unrest without military intervention. “This is a nation of constitutional law, not martial law,” she declared, warning that troops could “inflame” protests, as seen in 2020. The White House appealed to the 9th Circuit, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson insisting Trump was safeguarding “federal personnel from violent riots.”

Undeterred, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the 300 California troops—federalized earlier for Los Angeles unrest—to Portland as a workaround. About 100 had arrived at Camp Withycombe by Sunday morning. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, sued to join Oregon’s case, blasting the maneuver as a “breathtaking abuse of power” and vowing to treat the Guard as “California’s, not Trump’s Royal Guard.” In a rare midnight virtual hearing, Immergut expanded the TRO indefinitely, barring “any” out-of-state Guard from Oregon and denying a stay. “I’m troubled by this end-run around my order,” she said.

The ruling echoed a June federal decision deeming Trump’s Los Angeles deployment—4,700 Guard plus 700 Marines—illegal under the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military in domestic policing, though 300 troops remain there on appeal. ACLU of Oregon’s Sandy Chung hailed it as “consistent with the law and facts,” amid fears of escalated violence. Protests Saturday saw tear gas and pepper balls, but locals reported “small and sedate” crowds.

Meanwhile, Chicago faces its own showdown. Saturday, Trump authorized 300 Illinois Guard federalization after Pritzker rejected an ultimatum: “Call up your troops, or we will.” Pritzker decried it as “outrageous and un-American,” a “manufactured performance” for political gain, not safety—Illinois crime is down, and local forces coordinate effectively.

Escalation hit Sunday: Hegseth’s memo greenlit up to 400 Texas Guard for Chicago (and Portland), effective 60 days, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott “fully authorizing” it despite Pritzker’s plea to withdraw support. Troops need 96 hours to mobilize. Pritzker called it “Trump’s Invasion,” warning it would “incite mayhem.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed: “Reckless and unconstitutional.” Illinois AG Kwame Raoul eyes a lawsuit; Sen. Tammy Duckworth labeled it a “misuse” of the military.

This fits Trump’s 2025 pattern: deployments to “blue” cities like D.C. (2,000 Guard in August), Memphis (150-200 in September), and threats to Baltimore. Amid a federal shutdown, troops work unpaid (backpay promised), raising ethical questions. Critics invoke Posse Comitatus; supporters say it’s vital for “lawlessness.”

As appeals loom, these clashes test federalism’s limits. “Trump’s fantasy of urban warfare won’t stand,” Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden posted. In Chicago, protests swelled after a Border Patrol shooting Saturday. With 9th Circuit hearings pending, the nation watches: Will courts curb Trump’s “Department of War,” or will troops roll in anyway?